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After years of struggle and sacrifice, India finally gained independence from British colonial rule in 1947. The free India saw the emergence of a new political dimension with Jawaharlal Nehru becoming the first Prime Minister of the country. But who was the first Governor General of free India? The first governor-general of free India was Lord Louis Mountbatten. The British government appointed Lord Mountbatten as the last Viceroy of India. He served as the Governor General from August 1947 to June 1948.
Lord Mountbatten And His Contribution In Free India
Born on June 25, 1900, in England, Mountbatten came from a prestigious British naval family. His full name was Admiral of the Fleet Louis Francis Albert Victor Nicholas Mountbatten, 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma. Mountbatten had a distinguished military career, serving in both World War I and World War II.
- He was tasked to oversee the transition of power from British rule to Indian control.
- Mountbatten took part in the negotiations that led to the partition of India and the creation of Pakistan.
- He was known for his diplomatic skills and ability to build consensus among diverse stakeholders.
- He worked closely with Indian leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar Patel to ensure a smooth transfer of power.
- One of the biggest challenges faced by Lord Mountbatten was in dealing with the communal violence that had erupted during the partition.
- He had to navigate through difficult negotiations and decisions to try and minimize the bloodshed and look after the safety of millions of people.
Lord Mountbatten’s personal life was marred by tragedy when his nephew, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, lost his life in a boating accident in 1979. Mountbatten himself fell victim to an act of terrorism when he was assassinated by the IRA in 1979.
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